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In Shirley v. Sebelius, the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia upheld a lower court decision Aug. 24 throwing out a suit that challenged federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. Opponents claimed the National Institutes of Health was violating the 1996 Dickey-Wicker law that prohibits taxpayer financing for work that harms an embryo.

The Washington Post reported a three-judge panel unanimously agreed with a lower court judge’s dismissal of the case. This is the second time the appeals court has said that the challenged federal funding of embryonic stem cell research was permissible.

D.C. court backs contraceptive mandate

In Wheaton College v. Sebelius, the District of Columbia federal district court on Aug. 24 dismissed for lack of standing and ripeness a challenge by Wheaton College in Illinois to the mandate issued under the Affordable Care Act requiring group health insurance policies to cover contraceptive services for women.

Religion Clause reported that “Because the Department of Health and Human Services has announced a one-year enforcement safe harbor for nonprofit groups whose religious beliefs are violated by the mandate, the court concluded that Wheaton does not face imminent enforcement action.”

Wisconsin board OKs SCOTUS appeal

The Elmbrook [Wis.] School Board voted 5-2 on Aug. 21 to ask the U.S. Supreme Court to decide if the district violated the Constitution by holding graduation ceremonies from 2000-09 at Elmbrook Church.

The vote came after a July 7th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals court ruling that reversed a decision to not hold the district liable, reported Brookfield Now.

The case was brought by Americans United.

Air Force officially bars proselytizing

Shortly before retiring as Air Force Chief of Staff, Gen. Norton Schwartz issued a document that included what NBC on Aug. 22 called the first time the Air Force has “laid down the law on religious proselytizing by leaders.”

Included in the 27-page Standards of Conduct directive are:

Government Neutrality Regarding Religion. “Leaders at all levels must balance constitutional protections for an individual’s free exercise of religion or other personal beliefs and the constitutional prohibition against governmental establishment of religion. For example, they must avoid the actual or apparent use of their position to promote their personal religious beliefs to their subordinates or to extend preferential treatment for any religion. Commanders or supervisors who engage in such behavior may cause members to doubt their impartiality and objectivity. The potential result is a degradation of the unit’s morale, good order, and discipline.

2.12.1. “All Airmen are able to choose to practice their particular religion, or subscribe to no religious belief at all. You should confidently practice your own beliefs while respecting others whose viewpoints differ from your own.”

Mikey Weinstein of the Military Religious Freedom Foundation, was unimpressed by the directive, calling it “a belated response to MRFF’s continual exposure of [Schwartz’s] scandalously nonconfrontational approach to the Christian extremist predators within the USAF who flout their oath to support and defend the U.S. Constitution.”

Hawaii judge rules against gay couples

U.S. District Court Judge Alan Kay ruled Aug. 8 against two Hawaii couples who want to get married instead of entering a civil union. Kay sided with Hawaii Health Director Loretta Fuddy and Hawaii Family Forum, a Christian group that was allowed to intervene in the case.

The women, Natasha Jackson and Janin Kleid, argued they need to be married to get certain federal benefits. Co-plaintiff Gary Bradley wants to marry his foreign national partner to help him change his immigration status. Appeals are planned.

Religious lobbies have opposed marriage equality in Hawaii.

New hearing for pregnancy center case

The full 4th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals on Aug. 15 ordered a new hearing in the case of Baltimore’s truth-in-advertising ordinance requiring crisis pregnancy centers to post signs saying they don’t provide or make referrals for abortion or for comprehensive birth control services.

The order struck down a June decision voiding down the ordinance, the first of its kind in the nation. A Dec. 6 hearing date was set.

The Center for Reproductive Rights joined the city of Baltimore to defend the ordinance in June 2010 against a lawsuit filed by the Archbishop of Baltimore and a local parish.

Rehearing ordered for Florida decalogue

The 11th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals ruled Aug. 15 that a 5-foot-high Ten Commandments statue could stay at the entrance to the Dixie County Courthouse in Cross City, Fla. A lower court ordered the granite monument removed in 2011.

The American Civil Liberties Union first sued in 2007 on behalf of a “John Doe” client. The 11th Circuit ruled that U.S. District Judge Maurice Paul failed to consider conflicting evidence on whether Doe has standing to sue, the Wall Street Journal reported. The case goes back to Paul’s court.

Russian PM: Free Pussy Riot Oct. 1

A judge sentenced three members of Russian feminist punk band Pussy Riot to two years in jail Aug. 17 for staging a protest against President Vladimir Putin in Moscow’s main Orthodox cathedral, an act Judge Marina Syrova called “blasphemous.”

The Associated Press reported Sept. 12 that Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said the women should be freed when their cases are appealed Oct. 1. “In my view, a suspended sentence would be sufficient, taking into account the time they have already spent in custody.”

FFRF filed a complaint in July to Maury County Public Schools (Columbia, Tenn.) about a trailer from WellSpring Christian Church that was permanently parked next to the sign for Spring Hill Elementary. The church uses the school for Sunday worship servicesy.

Senior Staff Attorney Rebecca Markert wrote that it “is inappropriate for the District to permit advertisement of religious organizations or churches, especially a permanent advertisement, on school property. Even if allowed to rent district facilities to churches, a public school should not allow any activity that would give the appearance of promoting or supporting religion.”

A school attorney responded July 19 that “The church has been informed that this trailer, along with any other advertisement it utilizes, may only be upon school grounds immediately before and during the time in which the church utilizes the school facilities.”

FFRF ends Kentucky graduation prayer

An invocation and benediction were given at the 2012 Mercer County High School graduation ceremony in Frankfort, Ky. Both prayers, also listed in the official program, made reference to Jesus Christ and one ended with a genuflection.

Senior Staff Attorney Rebecca Markert wrote June 8 to remind the school that “the Supreme Court has continually struck down prayers at school-sponsored events, including public school graduations.”

On July 20, the school district’s attorney wrote, “I have advised that there should not be any prayers as part of the ceremony.” He added, “While planning for the graduation ceremony in the spring of 2013 has not yet occurred, it is my understanding the School District representatives intend to make the necessary changes to next year’s graduation so that this is no longer an issue.”

FFRF letter halts Christian assemblies

Thanks to a July 26 letter from Senior Staff Attorney Rebecca Markert, Signal Mountain Middle/High School, Chattanooga, Tenn., is on notice that future school assemblies cannot use warnings about alcohol as a pretext for Christian proselytization.

FFRF’s local complainant detailed an assembly speech by Dave Walton, allegedly an expert on substance abuse. But a cursory search of his website, braggingforjesus.org/, reveals ulterior motives.

The attorney for Hamilton County Schools wrote Aug. 1 that many faculty members were also concerned that the presentation was inappropriate and that the presentation resulted from a “gross failure” to screen the speaker. The attorney called the situation “a good story for training.”

Georgia school bans football prayer-giver

On behalf of a local complainant, FFRF Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel wrote May 23 to Dougherty County Schools, Albany, Ga., to point out constitutional violations by a Fellowship of Christian Athletes member who gave postgame prayers for football teams in Albany.

FCA rep Bill Cox gathered the team and coaches told them to kneel. Prayers included several references to Jesus’ crucifixion “fiction,” including “Thank you Lord Jesus for dying on the cross to save us from our sins.”

Superintendent Joshua Murfree replied Aug. 23 that Cox’s activities “are inconsistent with the practices of the school system, and I have issued instructions that, because of his activities, Mr. Bill Cox is not to be permitted to come upon school property or to attend school-sponsored functions.”

A graduating senior who’s an atheist reported to FFRF that East Limestone High School in Athens, Ala., had graduation prayers listed in the program for which the student leading the invocation and benediction asked everyone to bow their heads and pray.

Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel first wrote the school board June 4 and sent two follow-up letters. The superintendent replied Aug. 21 that schools “have been informed of the law and have taken appropriate steps to ensure that religious prayers will not be scheduled or endorsed as a part of the graduation ceremonies or any other school-sponsored events.”

Georgia bible distribution halted

Thomas County School District, Thomasville, Ga., stopped allowing Gideons to distribute bibles after a March 23 letter from Staff Attorney Stephanie Schmitt. A middle school principal had announced over the intercom that the bibles were being handed out.

Superintendent George Kornegay Jr. replied July 16 that bible distributions “will not occur in the future in the Thomas County Schools.”

Senior center agrees to obey law

Employees at Peach County Senior Citizens Center, Fort Valley, Ga., were regularly leading residents in prayer before meals, playing Baptist hymns on the piano and reading from the bible to celebrate any event or special day, according to FFRF’s senior citizen complainant.

Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel wrote a letter July 26 to the center director noting that because it receives federal funds, it is subject to federal law which “is explicit and unequivocal in its prohibition on religious activities.”

The center responded August 9: “[W]e have discussed this matter with the participants to educate them that our staff cannot/will not initiate, encourage, or participate in any religious based activity. Any participant that observes staff promoting religion in any way has been made aware of the Agency’s grievance policy.”

FFRF blocks school soccer prayer

Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel sent a complaint letter July 31 about the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) hosting a soccer tournament that included prayer. Video showed a Fellowship of Christian Athletes member praying.

AHSAA responded Aug. 6 that “we certainly appreciate your concerns and take very seriously our duties and obligations under federal and state law. To that end, we intend to fully comply with all constitutional mandates.”

FFRF stops daily prelunch prayers

The Tishomingo County School District will no longer allow teachers to lead students in prayer.

Iuka Elementary School teachers in Iuka, Miss., will stop leading students in prayers before lunch. Staff Attorney Stephanie Schmitt wrote the school May 3 about the illegal practice.

Superintendent Ben McClung wrote July 23 to say “we understand that teachers cannot encourage students to pray or lead students in prayer.”

Texas FCA adviser played active role

A coach at Hutto High School in Texas can no longer play an active role in the school’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter. The coach/club adviser was sending emails to staff promoting FCA events and listing himself as the contact person.

Staff Attorney Stephanie Schmitt complained in February. On Aug. 8, a school attorney replied that the district would offering training on constitutional issues and “will also ensure that this club is truly student-initiated and student-run.”

Complaint gets cross taken down

FFRF received a complaint last spring from a New Yorker who reported that a science teacher at Public School 76 in Queens displayed a cross on the wall next to the blackboard. The display included the words “love god.” Senior Staff Attorney Rebecca Markert wrote a letter of complaint May 8 to the principal. The principal responded July 18 that “the item has been removed.”

FFRF stops Community College violation

Senior Staff Attorney Rebecca Markert wrote April 4 to the Peralta Community College chancellor in Oakland, Calif., about a staff member using “BY GRACE ALONE THROUGH FAITH ALONE IN CHRIST ALONE” as his email signature. The staffer had sent a system email to all district employees inviting them to join a “prayer at the pole” event.

The college’s general counsel responded Aug. 22 to say that the employee is no longer sending emails with religious content.

FFRF stops Ohio graduation prayer

Senior Staff Attorney Rebecca Markert’s three letters of complaint about 2011 graduation prayer in Mogadore, Ohio, have borne fruit. The prayer given by the class treasurer was listed in the program.

The district has responded that “Field High School will not have prayer at graduation ceremonies and has enacted policies prohibiting prayer at graduation.” The letter included a copy of the new policy.

Pregame prayers halted in South Dakota

The Castlewood [S.D.] School District will no longer hold pregame prayers after an FFRF complaint May 23 and follow-up letters by Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel. A video posted on YouTube showed school personnel leading prayers before sporting events.

Superintendent Keith Fodness responded Aug. 14: “Our coaching staff has been briefed on the case law pertaining to prayer as it relates to the situation described in your letter and have been instructed to act within those guidelines.”

Florida probes ‘In God We Trust’ plates

In May, FFRF contacted four Florida state agencies about an apparent “scam in God’s name” involving a policy allowing drivers to buy specialty license plates for an additional fee which goes to the group sponsoring the plate.

Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel noted in several letters that the “In God We Trust Foundation” had collected over $630,000 and distributed nothing to a charity for children which it claimed to be supporting.

The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles replied Aug. 27: “Our department is aware of the alleged noncompliance regarding the distribution of funds from sales of the In God We Trust specialty license plate. As this is an ongoing investigation, we are not at liberty to divulge related information.”

The letter added that due to the probe, “our department has not distributed any funds to the IGWT Foundation.”

Did ‘man in sky’ see complaint coming?

FFRF’s objection about a teacher at a Mandarin language immersion elementary school in the San Mateo/Foster City [Calif.] School District was successful.

A local complainant told FFRF that the teacher told students that the “man in the sky can see everything you do, but you can’t see him because he is camouflaged.”

Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel wrote to the district May 22 about the allegation of proselytization of a captive audience of children.

The school district informed FFRF Aug. 16 that it “has reminded its employees of the District’s policy of not [teaching] religion in schools.”

Court now offers 12-step options

After an FFRF letter, the Rocky River [Ohio] Municipal Court will offer secular alternatives to Alcoholics Anonymous. The court had required some offenders to either attend Alcoholics Anonymous or be jailed.

Staff Attorney Patrick Elliott wrote on March 16 to the court’s probation department, pointing out that courts have consistently found AA and other 12-step programs to be “religious programs for purposes of First Amendment analysis.”

Chief Probation Officer Judy Nash responded Aug. 1 that the court will offer offenders other options, including information on Rational Recovery and Secular Organizations for Sobriety.

God hates divorce in Missouri?

FFRF received a complaint about a Missouri pastor who appeared to hijack required Family Court educational programs on divorce in Jackson County by talking about himself and his faith for most of the three-hour period. The pastor also handed out fliers offering his religious services outside of class, which were held in his church.

Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel wrote to the court July 16 to ask for correction of the theological bent of the secular class.

The court responded a month later that the minister was told that “the issue of his religious faith and his ministry have no place in the teaching of this curriculum and we have instructed him to discontinue references to his background such that gives the appearance that the Court is promoting religion over nonreligious beliefs.” The court will “monitor this issue with all” of its instructors.

The response noted that the court is also “actively looking for locations outside of church property where we can hold classes.”

FFRF stops prayer at Michigan school

Hastings Area School District in Michigan refrained from including a prayer in its 2012 high school graduation ceremony after receiving an April 13 complaint letter from Staff Attorney Stephanie Schmitt. For at least 10 years, Hastings High School has included an illegal invocation in its official graduation program and selected a student to lead the prayer.

In a July 17 reply, Superintendent Todd Geerlings assured FFRF that, “there were no prayers said at the Hastings High School graduation ceremony on May 25, 2012.”

Mississippi teacher oversteps bounds

A U.S. history teacher in Raymond, Miss., who brought “Truth for Youth Bibles” to class for students to take will no longer do so after a May 23 letter from Staff Attorney Stephanie Schmitt. The teacher also asked her students to raise their hands if they “believe that women who have abortions are going to hell.”

While the teacher was present, a student was allowed to ask classmates who were “saved” to raise their hands.

Superintendent Stephen Handley replied Aug. 8 that “the teacher was given instruction and counseling on her role as a teacher in our district and the requirement of neutrality with respect to religious issues.”

FFRF deletes religious recording

The recorded message of the License Office in Rolla, Mo., no longer ends in “God bless you.” Staff Attorney Stephanie Schmitt’s letter resulted in it being changed to “Have a wonderful day.”

Indiana discovers the Constitution!

According to publicity, Indiana Dunes State Park appeared to be hosting and co-sponsoring a 5-kilometer event with St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, with proceeds going to the church’s school. In a March 15 letter, Staff Attorney Stephanie Schmitt chastened state officials.

A June 29 response confirmed that while a flier mistakenly stated the event was co-sponsored, the Division of State Parks did not sponsor it. The church was required to obtain a special event permit to use the park.

FFRF stops Alabama religious emails

An Alabama Medicaid Agency employee used her official email account to ask recipients to help ban an upcoming film depicting Jesus as a homosexual. Her email included a quotation from the bible and urged recipients, “Let’s stand for what we believe and stop the mockery of Jesus Christ our Savior.”

Staff Attorney Stephanie Schmitt sent the agency a letter June 20.

Acting Commissioner Stephanie McGee Azar agreed in a July 13 letter that the employee violated policy, adding that “appropriate disciplinary action” was taken against her.Religious narrative out in Ohio

The Antwerp [Ohio] School District will no longer include religious messages in school assemblies after a complaint last fall from Staff Attorney Stephanie Schmitt.

A Veterans Day assembly had included recitation of “The Meaning Behind the Folding Ceremonies of the Flag,” a discredited religious narrative which explains the “meaning” of each of the 12 folds of the flag. The “meaning” of the 12th fold, e.g., is to represent and glorify “God the Father, The Son, and Holy Ghost.”

On Aug. 9, school attorney Kimball Carey told FFRF that the principal who organized the assembly wasn’t aware of the content of the presentation, and said it wouldn’t happen again in Antwerp schools.

‘Faith & Family Night’ fan draw dismal

California University of Pennsylvania, a public school in the borough of California, Pa., agreed after getting Staff Attorney Stephanie Schmitt’s complaint that it’s unconstitutional to offer reduced admission to basketball games for those who mention their church affiliation.

“Faith and Family Night” last Jan. 6 offered $3 admission for people who mentioned their church affiliation. Churches also were allowed to set up informational tables in the new basketball arena.

Legal University counsel Jacqueline Morrow replied Aug. 20 that she told administrators on the day of the event that the promotion was unconstitutional. “The University administrators responsible for the event were apologetic, and because the game had already been advertised, we decided that the available cure would be to make sure that everyone that attended the event would be charged the same, lower price.”

Morrow added, “Not only was the plan unconstitutional, it was not successful. Attendance was low.”

God’s help out in San Francisco

The San Francisco Assessment Appeals Board removed “so help me God” from the oath used to swear in parties testifying at board hearings after getting Staff Attorney Stephanie Schmitt’s February letter and follow-up letters.

Board Administrator Dawn Duran wrote on Aug. 14 that the religious oath is out and has been replaced by, “Do you solemnly swear or affirm that the testimony you are about to give will be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?”

Census unlinks to Catholic ‘research’

FFRF was contacted by a curious researcher in November 2011 who “wanted to look up religion statistics and tried www.census.gov/,” the U.S. Census website. The census stopped collecting religious statistics in 1936, but provides links to “more information.” These links included the Hartford Seminary and the Glenmary Research Center (GRC).

The link to the GRC in fact linked to Glenmary Home Missioners, a missionary organization “dedicated to establishing a Catholic presence in rural areas and small towns of the United States where the Catholic Church is not yet effectively present.”

Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel wrote to Census Bureau Director Robert Groves on May 22 about the links. Several follow-up letters and phone calls ensued. Seidel suggested the Pew Forum on Religion & the Public Life would be a better source.

The Census’ Web and Social Media Branch reviewed all the links to religious information, and as of July 2, removed them all. The Census also now links to the Pew Research Center.

Football prayers forced to ‘take a knee’

FFRF was victorious against pregame football prayer at the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, where sectarian prayer led by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes had been a home game staple since 2010.

Staff Attorney Stephanie Schmitt initially wrote to UTC Chancellor Roger Brown on May 15: “While students, athletes, and athletic event attendees may choose to gather privately in prayer, a public university has no place in encouraging or endorsing religious ritual.”

Schmitt also noted that a 1997 decision, Chaudhuri v. State of Tenn., by the 6th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals held that sectarian prayers at public university events violate the Establishment Clause.

After several months of indecision, Brown announced Sept. 10 that “the right decision for the university” was to offer a moment of silence in lieu of prayer.

Brown told the Chattanooga Times Free Press that “we need to make sure there is never anybody that goes away from our campus, our stadium, our arena or classroom or work, that feels like they have been excluded or feel uncomfortable in any way.”

FFRF member Dr. Irving Norman Wolfson, 90, Worcester, Mass., died peacefully at home in his sleep July 8, 2012.

He was born July 20, 1919, in New York City. After graduating from Columbia University, he received his M.D. from Yale in 1943, then served as an Army medical officer in India and China in World War II. He later practiced internal medicine and cardiology in Worcester and held many leadership positions in the medical community.

As an activist and humanist, he supported Amnesty International, UNICEF, American Civil Liberties Union, NAACP and Freedom From Religion Foundation. He was an FFRF member since 1989. Irving’s son, Charles, sent word of his death and said his dad died “still a strong atheist.”

He was preceded in death in 1983 by Annabel Kreider Wolfson, his wife of 37 years. Survivors include three children: Richard (Artley) Wolfson, Middlebury, Vt., Helen (Eric Thomas) Wolfson, Durham, N.C., Charles Wolfson, Westborough; six grandchildren; a great-grandchild: and his sister, Florence Howitt, Westport, Conn.

On July 5, FFRF received confirmation that not only had the sign offering the church discount been removed, but it had been replaced by a framed copy of FFRF’s letter of complaint.

FFRF adds ‘nones’ to ‘All Faiths Day’

The West Michigan Whitecaps baseball team, which plays in Comstock Park, Mich., decided after getting FFRF’s complaint that any publication would qualify for an “All Faiths Day” promotion. Staff Attorney Stephanie Schmitt wrote the team president July 18 about the discriminatory promotion offering half-price seats for people with church bulletins.

A team attorney replied Aug. 9: “In actual practice, the Whitecaps accept any secular publication, such as school newsletters, community recreation department fliers, apartment and home association newsletters, municipal newsletters, and trade association newsletters and publications. . . . If a patron brought an FFRF newsletter, they would be given the same discount as a patron bringing a church bulletin.”

FFRF letter ends Georgia discount

A 20% church bulletin discount at Las Banderas Mexican Restaurant in Valdosta, Ga., was ended after Staff Attorney Stephanie Schmitt complained Aug. 16. The owner agreed in a phone call Aug. 22 to end the discount and remove the promotion from the restaurant website.

Religious rage spurred in part by a 14-minute American-made online trailer for a movie that mocks the prophet Muhammad as a buffoon, womanizer, child molester and ruthless killer sparked violence in at least six Muslim nations and is being blamed by many for the murders of four Americans in Benghazi, Libya.

Killed in the U.S. Consulate on Sept. 11 were Ambassador Chris Stevens, 52, and three others.

In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, the filmmaker characterized his movie, now called “Innocence of Muslims,” as “a political effort to call attention to the hypocrisies of Islam.” The actual identity of the filmmaker was unclear due to numerous aliases he’s believed to have used. He was identified by some media sources as a Coptic Christian.

CNN reported thousands of rioters and demonstrators in the streets for Friday prayer Sept. 14. A crowd in Sudan set the German embassy on fire. Crowds in Cairo tried to storm the U.S. embassy.

Four people were arrested in connection with the attack that killed the four Americans. But those arrested were not directly tied to the attack, said Monem Elyasser, chief aide to Libyan Prime Minister Mustafa Abushagur.

‘Legitimate rape” rep sustained by faith

U.S. Rep. Todd Akin, R-Mo., who was urged to withdraw from his U.S. Senate race against incumbent Democratic Sen. Claire McCaskill by many in his party after his comments on rape became a national scandal, says his faith won’t let him quit, according to The New York Times on Aug. 22.

He said in a radio interview that recognizing “a creator, God” has been missing from the debate, and “That’s the reason why we’re going to continue.”

In an interview with St. Louis TV station KTVI, Akin, when asked why he opposes abortion in nearly all cases, replied:

“People always want to try and make that as one of those things, well, how do you, how do you slice this particularly tough sort of ethical question. It seems to me, first of all, from what I understand from doctors, that’s really rare. If it’s a legitimate rape, the female body has ways to try to shut that whole thing down. “

Akin, a member of the Presbyterian Church in America, sponsored legislation to name 2008 “The National Year of the Bible” and to promote greater recognition of the Ten Commandments. Akin has also decried the removal of “God” from government. Akin, with a master’s degree from Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis, home-schooled all six of his children. He participates in bible studies and prayer groups.

If sustained by faith, Akin is also informed by faith. His claim that rape victims don’t easily get pregnant dates to a 1985 book by a leading anti-abortionist, Dr. John C. Willke, who is Catholic and former president of the National Right to Life Committee. Willke, 87, insists “way under 1 percent” of rape victims get pregnant.

One of the few peer-reviewed studies, dating to 1996 and published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, estimated 5% of rapes result in pregnancy.

Legislators override gov on birth control

Missouri legislators voted Sept. 12 to override Gov. Jay Nixon’s veto of a bill expanding religious exceptions for insurance coverage of birth control. The override in the House got just the number of votes required — 109-45. The override passed the Senate by 26-6.

The law lets individuals, employers and insurers cite religious reasons in order to be exempt from mandatory insurance coverage for abortion, contraception and sterilization.

Critics of the law said a 2001 Missouri statute already requires birth control prescriptions to be covered under policies with drug benefits. That law also lets insurers offer policies without contraception coverage for those who object.

Snake-handling pastor’s resolution fails

The Campbell County Commission in Jacksboro, Tenn., voted 10-2 in July against a resolution calling for the legalization of snake-handling.

The proposal came from Andrew Hamblin, the 21-year-old pastor of Tabernacle Church of God, who told WBIR that the state law restricts how he worships. “My main thing is to see lost people saved. I’d love to do it under the anointment of God with two rattlers in my hand!”

However, Tennessee state law prohibits anyone from owning venomous snakes --— making Hamblin’s practice during services illegal.

After the vote, Hamblin said, “We’ll pray harder, seek the Lord a little longer and we’ll come back and try it again.”

Taliban blamed for 17 party beheadings

Taliban militants in Afghanistan beheaded 15 men and two women for holding a late-night party, Afghan officials told the U.K. Telegraph on Aug. 27.

Nematullah Khan, governor of Musa Qala, said it was unclear if the victims had been shot dead before being beheaded.

An elder from the area, Juma Khan, said, “Unfortunately, the young men do this sometimes. They had a party with music and dancing and they were behaving badly with the women.”

Claims filed in baptismal pool death

The parents of the 1-year-old boy who died earlier this year after drowning in a baptismal pool at a day-care ministry in Indianapolis are suing a state agency for negligence. Juan Cardenas and Maricela Serna filed a suit earlier against the ministry, Assembly of God, and its umbrella organization, Indiana District Assemblies of God.

The claim alleges the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration “negligently inspected” the facility before and after the drowning. A November 2011 agency inspection showed that Praise Fellowship had violated 18 health, safety and sanitation standards and was issued citations.

“The bottom line is the state of Indiana was sanctioning this unlicensed day care,” said attorney Stephen Wagner. “If they had done a good job of inspecting the day care, they would’ve shut it down sooner.”

Praise Fellowship closed voluntarily after the agency pulled out of a voucher program.

FFRF is asking a Kansas appraiser in Sedgwick County to investigate misuse of a church parsonage exemption claimed on the home of a state Senate candidate.

Michael O’Donnell II told the Wichita Eagle that he “lives where he says he lives,” which is a home owned by Grace Baptist Church in Wichita, a home that should be exclusively used by an acting minister who regularly conducts religious services. O’Donnell’s father is senior pastor of the church and lives in a neighboring city. It does not appear that the parsonage has been lived in by a practicing pastor in some time.

County records show that the church-owned home has been exempt from property taxes since 1996. The Wichita Eagle reported that O’Donnell has been a registered voter at his residence since 2007 and uses it as “his official address on campaign filings and for his position as a Wichita City Council member.”

A local complainant tipped FFRF off to what appears to be a misuse of a charitable tax exemption. Staff Attorney Patrick Elliott wrote an Aug. 21 letter to County Appraiser Mike Borchard: “We request that Grace Baptist Church or Mr. O’Donnell pay the appropriate amount of current taxes, back taxes and penalties owned.”

Elliott added that “taxpayers should not have to pay more taxes because a church and its leaders have falsely claimed an exemption.”

After FFRF’s complaint was reported in the news, O’Donnell recanted his earlier description of his housing arrangements and said that he “misspoke.” O’Donnell said in August on multiple occasions that he paid rent to the church.

In September, he recanted that account and claimed that he continues to work for the church by taking care of the facilities and grounds and is provided free housing in return. The Appraiser’s Office has yet to make a ruling on the exemption of the home.

Marquee message at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church, Chico, Calif., placed by from Pastor Tim Ruhl, who refused to say what it meant

Enterprise-Record, 8-30-12

America, America is just more than a place, though. America is an idea. It’s the only country founded on an idea. Our rights come from nature and God, not from government. That’s right. That’s who we are, that’s how we built this country.

No, these human rights — and the ideas and the ideals that conceived them — came from the minds of men and women who wrestled with the big questions: What is fair and what is just? Over time, a commonly held sense of right and wrong developed, which was then enacted into law by, yes, government.

Matt Rothschild, atheist editor of The Progressive, Madison, Wis.

The Progressive, 8-30-12

I’m a Catholic deer hunter. I’m happy to be clinging to my guns and my religion.

Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., campaigning for vice president in Pittsburgh

Associated Press, 8-22-12

Most of all, almighty God we thank you, for the great gift of our beloved country. For we are indeed one nation under God, and in God we trust. Dear God, bless America. You who live and reign forever and ever. Amen.

Cardinal Timothy Dolan, closing words to his prayer to the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla.

CBS, 8-30-12

Thus do we praise you for the gift of life. Grant us to defend it. Life, without which no other rights are secure. We ask your benediction on those waiting to be born, that they may be welcomed and protected.

Cardinal Timothy Dolan’s prayer delivered right after President Obama’s speech accepting his party’s nomination for a second term

ABC, 9-7-12

We need a government that stands up for the hopes, values and interests of working people and gives everyone willing to work hard the chance to make the most of their potential.

Plank in the Democratic Party platform approved Sept. 4 at the national convention in Charlotte, N.C.

CNN, 9-4-12

As an ordained United Methodist minister, I am here to attest and affirm that our faith in God is central to the American story and informs the values we’ve expressed in our party’s platform. In addition, President Obama recognizes Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and our platform should as well.

We need a government that stands up for the hopes, values and interests of working people and gives everyone willing to work hard the chance to make the most of their God-given potential. [Italics added]

Democratic Party platform plank “passed” after a Christian Broadcasting Network blogger and Fox TV began berating Democrats for “removing God” from the platform and not affirming Jerusalem as Israel’s capital (Los Angelos Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa called for a voice vote requiring a two-thirds majority three times and declared the resolution passed even though the “nays” sounded louder than the “yeas.”)

A nonreligious Canadian family has been battling distribution of Gideon bibles in their Ontario public schools by asking the schools to distribute Just Pretend: A Freethought Book for Children, written by Dan Barker and published by the Freedom From Religion Foundation.

It was announced in early September that the family’s complaint against the District School Board of Niagara will be heard by the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal in February. Rene Chouinard says his family is being discriminated against “due to creed.”

Rene and Ana Chouinard of Grimsby, Ontario, had complained several years ago after a permission slip to distribute Gideon bibles was sent home with their middle child, then in fifth grade. Their complaints prompted the principal to drop the practice. By the time their youngest child entered fifth grade in 2010, bible distribution had resumed. The school district has been permitting Gideon bible distribution since 1964.

In March 2010, after Rene Chouinard complained again, the school board amended its policy by inviting other religions to distribute books to children. But the board refused Chouinard’s request to distribute Just Pretend or Barker’s book for adults, Losing Faith in Faith: From Preacher to Atheist, also published by FFRF. Chouinard’s intent, as he told media, was not actually to distribute freethought books to children, but to force the school board to stop distributing bibles.

Niagara school officials told him they had consulted the Ontario Multifaith Information Manual, which lists diverse religions but does not mention atheism or secular humanism. Chouinard noted that the manual doesn’t list the Gideon Society, either.

“If all points of view are not allowed, then Ontario’s vaunted respect for equality and diversity is ‘just pretend,’” commented FFRF Co-President Dan Barker.

Just Pretend is an illustrated book suitable for elementary school-age children (or “children of all ages”) that explores myths like Santa Claus and compares them with claims of the existence of a god. In an entertaining and fun way, Just Pretend introduces children to the tests of reason, and encourages them to apply reason to any idea, fairy tale, myth or religion.

“We would consider the bible X-rated and totally unsuitable reading for young children,” noted Annie Laurie Gaylor, who co-directs FFRF. “But Just Pretend is written with the respectful premise that children should be free to decide what to think about religion for themselves when they are mature enough to understand the concepts.”

U.S. Supreme Court actions and First Amendment law bar Gideons from entering U.S. public schools to distribute bibles. Nevertheless, the predatory evangelical Protestant men’s organization is continually flouting the law, with the help of religious principals.

“It takes constant vigilance to keep the Gideons out of public schools,” said Gaylor.

FFRF has produced two “bible warning labels” to combat ubiquitous Gideon bibles in hotel rooms, including one, “Gideon Exposed” written by Ruth Green, author of The Born Again Skeptic’s Guide to the Bible, which urges people to judge Gideon for themselves after reading Judges, chapters 6-9. Gideon reputedly murdered thousands for worshiping “false gods.”

Listen to an interview with Rene Chouinard (second half of Freethought Radio broadcast, Sept. 8) at:

A full-page, prepaid ad by the Freedom From Religion Foundation, which had been accepted more than a month before to run on Aug. 25, was summarily refused a few days before publication by the Daily Standard in Celina, Ohio.

FFRF was contacted Aug. 20 by Frank Snyder, publisher, and its payment was refunded.

The ad had been suggested and underwritten by a generous Celina FFRF member. The donor noted that the newspaper had accepted and published a full-page ad by a religiously motivated, anti-abortion group on June 6. The ad encouraged Ohio Senate President Pro-Tempore Keith Faber, from Celina, to pass a fetal “personhood” bill.

The signature ad, “It’s Time to Quit the Catholic Church,” has run in The New York Times, The Washington Post, USA Today and the Los Angeles Times, generating a lot of dialogue on Catholic bishops’ interference with contraceptive coverage for U.S. women.

The ad, an open letter to “liberal” and “nominal” Catholics, asks:

“Do you choose women and their rights, or bishops and their wrongs? In light of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ war against women’s right to contraception . . . Why are you aiding and abetting a church that has repeatedly engaged in a crusade to ban contraception, abortion and sterilization, to deny the right of all women everywhere, Catholic or not, to decide whether and when to become mothers?”

FFRF receives “a disproportionate number of state-church complaints from Ohio residents unhappy with religion in Ohio government,” said FFRF Co-President Annie Laurie Gaylor. “It’s hard to educate or make headway with such obvious and blatant favoritism and censorship. What happened to the vaunted marketplace of ideas?”

The generous donor is on the lookout for a billboard or other venue for an ad promoting FFRF.

The Freedom From Religion Foundation has successfully removed prayer from the Big Spring School Board meetings in Newville, Pa.

Board President Wilbur Wolf announced Aug. 28 that “prayer will be removed from future meeting agendas to avoid the potential cost of legal action against the board and Big Spring School District.”

A local resident had asked for FFRF’s help in stopping the unlawful prayer before every twice-monthly meeting. Senior Staff Attorney Rebecca Markert asked Wolf and the board in an Aug. 17 letter to discontinue the “practice of scheduling prayer.”

Markert pointed out several appeals court rulings, including a decision last year in the 3rd Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals (which is binding in Pennsylvania), have struck down prayer by public school boards. In the recent Doe v. Indian River School District case, the Supreme Court let stand the appeals court ruling that school board prayer rose above “the level of interaction between church and state that the Establishment Clause permits.”

Markert added that nearly 1.5 million Pennsylvanians identify as nonreligious.

Wolf attributed the board’s change in policy to high legal costs and told a local newspaper that ending prayer “is the prudent thing to do.” He publicly stated that “We regret having to make this decision.”

“It’s disappointing that a school board president would send a message that essentially undermines principles that require secular education and protect freedom of conscience,” said FFRF Co-President Annie Laurie Gaylor.

“A school board should be modeling respect for secular education and 60 years of firm Supreme Court precedent against religion in the schools. Whatever reasons the board gives for stopping the prayers, we are pleased to see this egregious violation ended.”

FFRF sent letters to three other Pennsylvania school boards in August. Octorara Area School Board in Atglen has suspended its usual recitation of the Lord’s Prayer until further review of FFRF’s request. Greencastle-Antrim School Board in Greencastle has gone to a moment of silence for the moment. FFRF is awaiting word from Eastern Lancaster County School Board in New Holland.